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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Sea stars are inspiring smarter materials. Penn Engineering researchers discovered that sea star skeletons can both support and guide light, revealing a natural design that could inspire future materials capable of protecting structures while sensing their surroundings. bit.ly/4bnPzkf

Ling Li holds the calcium carbonate skeletons of two sea stars, revealing the lightweight yet resilient architecture that inspired the research.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the tip of a sea star arm, showing the tiny light-guiding structures embedded within the skeleton. The image is approximately 5 mm wide. Credit: Liuni Chen, Ph.D. student and first author.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Penn Engineering has named Eric Stach Chair of the Penn Materials Science and Engineering, effective July 1, 2026. Stach's research has advanced the understanding of catalysis, energy storage materials, solar photovoltaics and nanostructure growth.

Eric Stach is the Robert D. Bent Professor of Engineering and Chair in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Researchers at Penn Engineering have developed tiny, soft robots using opposable materials that are capable of leaping meters into the air with flexibility, responsiveness, and programmability. Read More: shorturl.at/lViwF

Jiarui Wang, a member of the Yang Lab, holds up one of these programmable knot robots with forceps showing how something not much bigger than a grain of rice can pack a serious punch in the world of soft, automated robotics.
(Image: Courtesy of Penn Engineering)

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

PhD Defense Announcement Please join us for the PhD defense of Kyril Kavetsky: “Solid-state nanopores as highly versatile devices for biomolecule and lipid nanoparticle structural characterization” Wednesday, June 3, 2026 12:00 PM Singh Center for Nanotechnology, Room 313

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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

Penn Engineering's Class of 2026 led the University of Pennsylvania's 270th Commencement procession this morning. As the graduates walk across the stage in Franklin Field, they lead their generation in responsible innovation. #PennEngineeringProud #PennGrad

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

One could describe it as "A Day in the Life," and what a day to remember as our students spend their final day as a student. Congratulations Penn Graduates.

Wall signing ceremony for 2026 graduating class

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

Whether celebrating Senior Design or gathering to say farewell, the @pennmatsci.bsky.social community comes together in meaningful ways. Students, staff, and faculty, connected by innovation, collaboration, and shared experiences. Here’s to the moments that define us, both in and beyond the lab.

2026 MSE Senior design participants, faculty and staff

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

University of Pennsylvania "Hey Day" celebration is an annual event to mark the passing of juniors to seniors in one of Penn’s most iconic traditions... straw hats, red shirts, and plenty of Quaker pride. Congratulations!!!

2026 MSE Junior class celebrating "Hey Day."

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 MSE Senior Design department competition winners! Technology and Innovation Prize: Team InFusion: Social Impact Prize: Team PolyGraft: Judges’ Choice: Team ThermaPave: Thank you to our judges Pamela Beatrice, Katsuyuki Wakabayashi and Jeffrey Nye.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social Penn Senior design is still going on. We wish the best of luck to our seniors.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

There's nothing better than the year-end @pennmatsci.bsky.social MatSci Makers event, "Beeswax Saran Wrap Making," this Wednesday, April 29th, from 4-6 PM - MSE Lab - LRSM Basement.

Poster for MSE MaSci Makers Beeswax Saran Wrap Making event, Wednesday, April 29 from 4-6 pm in the LRSM Basement.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 24/04/2026

There’s nothing like a homecoming. @pennmatsci.bsky.social is always proud to welcome alumni back. Thank you, Chiara Bruzzi, and Anna Hallac for being an enduring part of our community.

2025 MSE Alumni Chiara Bruzzi, and Anna Hallac

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Congratulations to our @pennmatsci.bsky.social Undergradute awardees, along with our undergraduate chair Vanessa Z Chan, Department Chair Shu Yang and Undergraduate Coordinator Vicky Lee.

MSE Department Chair Shu Yang and MSE Senior Dionne Yeung

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social is honored to announce the Thesis Defense of PhD Candidate, Alicia Ng. Thesis Title: “The Direct Ink Writing of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomers into 3D Geometries and Their Properties" Location: LRSM 208, 4/21 2:00 PM For More Information: shorturl.at/du1H9

Penn Materials Science and Engineering is honored to announce the Thesis Defense of PhD Candidate, Alicia Ng.

Thesis Title: “The Direct Ink Writing of Cholesteric Liquid Crystal Elastomers into 3D Geometries and Their Properties"

Location: LRSM 208, 4/21 2:00 PM

For More Information: https://shorturl.at/du1H9

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

@PennMatsci congratulates Vanessa Z Chan, Jonathan and Linda Brassington Practice Professor, and Penn Engineering's Vice Dean of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as the recipient of the Michael L. Barrett (ENG’89) and Traci Barrett (W’91) Faculty Award for Student Advocacy.

Penn Materials Science and Engineering congratulates Vanessa Z Chan, Jonathan and Linda Brassington Practice Professor, and Penn Engineering's Vice Dean of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as the recipient of the Michael L. Barrett (ENG’89) and Traci Barrett (W’91) Faculty Award for Student Advocacy, which recognizes a member of the faculty for their exceptional support of undergraduate students and their outstanding commitment to building community.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social is excited to welcome Donald Brenner, North Carolina State University as our seminar guest. Dr. Brenner will present his talk, “Turning Chaos into Control: Modeling High-Entropy Ceramics," Thursday, April 16, 2026 - 10:30 am Wu and Chen Auditorium - Levine Hall.

Donald Brenner, North Carolina State University will serve as the MSE seminar on April 16, 2026. Dr. Brenner will present his talk, “Turning Chaos into Control: Modeling High-Entropy Ceramics," Thursday, April 16, 2026 - 10:30 am Wu and Chen Auditorium - Levine Hall.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

As part of Penn’s AI Month, @pennmatsci.bsky.social is hosting a panel on how AI is transforming materials R&D, featuring insights from Shu Yang, Nat Trask, George Hollyer, and Vinayak, and hosted by Ali Zaidi. Today - Tuesday, April 14th 2:00 pm - Glandt Forum, Singh Center for Nanotechnology.

As part of Penn’s AI Month, Penn Materials Science and Engineering is hosting a panel on how AI is transforming materials R&D.
The discussion will explore AI-driven discovery, experimental design, characterization, and the integration of physics, data, and engineering constraints.
Featuring insights from Shu Yang, Nat Trask, George Hollyer, and Vinayak, and hosted by Ali Zaidi.

Today - Tuesday, April 14th 2:00 pm - Glandt Forum, Singh Center for Nanotechnology.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social would like to thank Timothy Koeth, University of Maryland for being our seminar guest. We'd also like to thank our host, Shu Yang, and Christopher Madl for organizing the event. As is our custom, our students take the guest to lunch to network and discuss research.

Penn MSE Assistant Professor Christopher Madl, University of Maryland Professor Timothy Koeth and Penn host and MSE Department Chair, Shu Yang.

Penn Student Senin Ahammed Akkara Paramban and University of Maryland Department Chair Timothy Koeth.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Congratulations to Matthew Brukman, this year's winner of our NCAA Basketball Poll. Matt selected the University of Michigan to win the title. With his winning selection, Matt received a pie of his choice. (Cherry). It was a heck of a tournament. Congrats, Matt.

Singh Center for Nanotechnology Matthew Brukman shares his prize of a cherry pie for winning the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Bracket.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

The Penn Political Union and Andrea Mitchell Center are hosting Olivia Wassenaar, and @pennmatsci.bsky.social Ali Zaidi, for a discussion on powering the energy transition. Thursday, April 2, 6:00 - 7:15 pm To register: www.eventbrite.com/e/powering-t...

eventbrite.com

Powering the Energy Transition

Join Ali Zaidi and Olivia Wassenaar for a conversation on powering the energy transition on Thursday, April 2nd at 6pm (PCPSE Auditorium).

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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

In the latest episode of "Innovation & Impact," Vanessa Chan talks with NAI Fellows about the mindset behind meaningful innovation, from questioning the status quo to learning through failure. youtu.be/Ajih0E7quuc

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social wants to thank @mit.edu Professor Xuanhe Zhao for the wonderful talk for our MSE seminar. We also want to thank Yuanwen Jiang for being a wonderful host. As is our custom, our students take our guest to lunch for networking opportunities and to discuss research.

Yuanwen Jiang, Assistant Professor, Penn, and Xuanhe Zhao, Professor Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Penn Students Ziyun Zhang, Baoning Sha, Yuhui Wang, and Xuanhe Zhao, Professor Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

The Warren Center for Network & Data Sciences @warrencenter.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Penn's AI Month returns this April with a focus on human-centered AI, convening researchers to explore how rapidly evolving tools can expand knowledge while safeguarding human judgment. Warren Center affiliate participants include Weijie Su, Konrad Kording, and Aaron Roth. penntoday.upenn.edu/...

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social is excited to welcome Xuanhe Zhao, Massachusetts Institute of Technology as our seminar guest. Dr. Zhao will present his talk, "Merging Humans and Machines: Innovation and Translation." Thursday, March 26, 2026 - 10:30 am Wu and Chen Auditorium - Levine Hall

Advertisement for Xuanhe Zhao, MIT Professor and guest speaker for the Materials Science and Engineering Department at the University of Pennsylvania

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Penn Materials Science and Engineering; and Dental Medicine’s Kyle Vining and Hardik Makkar Makkar take a biomaterials approach to understanding periodontal disease, using a hydrogel system to investigate how the physical properties of the gum tissue impact inflammation. shorturl.at/Sbn3J

shorturl.at

A stiff defense: Rethinking gum disease | Penn Today

Penn Dental Medicine’s Kyle H. Vining and Hardik Makkar take a biomaterials approach to understanding periodontal disease, using a hydrogel system to investigate how the physical properties of the gum...

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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

A sneak peek at the new Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) teaching lab and makerspace. Slated to open for Fall 2026 classes, the space will maximize daylight, upgrade core infrastructure and facilitate new collaborations.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

@pennengineering.bsky.social Our tournament bracket wall is growing. We wish The Penn Men's Basketball team success and luck today with their battle against the Illini. GO QUAKERS!!!!

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social thanks Stanford Professor Eric Appel for the wonderful lecture. Thank you to Assistant Professor Christopher Madl for introducing Eric. As is our custom at MSE, our students take our guest to lunch to network and have an opportunity to discuss research.

Stanford Professor Eric Appel and Penn Assistant Professor Christopher Madl.

Penn students Haiying Hu, Stanford Professor Eric Appel and students, Zichen Gao, Kexin Zhang, and John Chen

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 13/03/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social is excited to welcome Eric Appel, Stanford University, to discuss his work, “Dynamic Biomaterials Enabling Innovations in Cell and Drug Delivery” on Thursday, March 19, 2026, beginning at 10:30 AM - Wu and Chen Auditorium, Levine Hall.

MSE Seminar poster with guest speaker Eric Appel, Stanford University

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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

The Warren Center for Network & Data Sciences @warrencenter.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

For more than a decade, Warren Center affiliate Bhuvnesh Jain has been part of an international team of scientists working to better understand how dark energy is driving the universe’s expansion and how matter has been organized over cosmic time. penntoday.upenn.edu/...

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 05/03/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social wants to thank Penn Chemistry Professor, Tianquan Lian, for presenting at today's MSE seminar. We also want to thank the host, Professor Shu Yang for arranging the visit.

Penn Chemistry Professor, Tianquan Lian, and Department of Materials Science and Engineering Professor Shu Yang.

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The Warren Center for Network & Data Sciences @warrencenter.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

“Even when AI is used with good intentions, the systems themselves can cause harm because of what’s baked into them from the very start,” said Warren Center affiliate Chris Callison-Burch. “AI is learning from internet data, which reflects us, our society and our history.” www.seas.upenn.edu/s...

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 04/03/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social is excited to welcome Penn Chemistry Professor Tianquan (Tim) Lian for our upcoming MSE Seminar. March 5, 2026 10:30 AM - Wu and Chen Auditorium - Levine Hall For more details: shorturl.at/CydlO

Penn Materials Science and Engineering is excited to welcome Penn Chemistry Professor Tianquan (Tim) Lian for our upcoming MSE Seminar. March 5, 2026 10:30 AM - Wu and Chen Auditorium - Levine Hall

Dr. Lian will present:
“In Situ Probe of Structure and Dynamics at the Metal Electrode–Electrolyte Interface: Interfacial Structure, Electro-Induction Effects, and Hot Electron Transfer.”

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social Senior Design InFusion team member Tobia Ruth works on their project on improving fiberglass noncomposite insulation for superconducting magnets in fusion reactors.

Senior Design InFusion team member Tobia Ruth works on their project on improving fiberglass noncomposite insulation for superconducting magnets in fusion reactors.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

Congratulations to CarboWells, winner at the 2026 Y-Prize at the University of Pennsylvania, with @pennmatsci.bsky.social Yuki Qian and Ali Altan Yilmaz on the team. Shoutout as well to runner-up, featuring MSE’s Roy Kim for their CO₂ scrubber solution.

2026n University of Pennsylvania Y-Prize winning team CarboWells

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

@pennengineering.bsky.social is honored to announce the Thesis Defense of PhD Candidate, Utkarsh Khandelwal. Thesis: “Investigation of Nonlinear Optical Responses in Chiral Quantum Materials” February 23, 2026 - beginning 10:00 AM Glandt Forum - Singh Center for Nanotechnology shorturl.at/RKSkq

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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Penn Engineering marked major achievements at the PCI Celebration of Innovation event, with Liang Feng (pictured, right) named Emerging Inventor of the Year and faculty earning 26 patents across AI, energy, health, and semiconductor tech.

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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Congratulations to CarboWells, winners of the 2026 Y-Prize Competition! The team proposed using 3D-printed concrete developed by the Yang Lab to plug millions of leaking oil wells across the U.S., helping capture carbon in the process. They’ll receive $15,000 to advance their research.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Congratulations Karen I. Winey on her election to the National Academy of Engineering. This honor is among the highest recognitions in our field and reflects the extraordinary impact of her research, innovation, and intellectual leadership in polymer science throughout her career.

Karen I. Winey, Harold Pender Professor, Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 28/01/2026

Yes, it's a little chilly now. But in 60 days, we'll be back to the sights and sounds of Philly and nature. Enjoy. Until then, stay safe and warm.

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 21/01/2026

Hannah Clarkson joined us for the sports edition of 13 Questions to share her Super Bowl prediction, her favorite teams, and the Philly athlete she’ll always back. shorturl.at/wdV1o

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13 Questions, Hannah Clarkson

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

A strong core of our @pennmatsci.bsky.social students are also (VIPER) members, and Justin Wang is a great example. From thermodynamics to MatSci Makers hands-on workshops, he shows how the best engineering education is still the classic kind. To read about Justin: shorturl.at/DDxlL

shorturl.at

Making, Learning, Leading: A VIPER Student’s Path in the world of Materials Science

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 13/01/2026

Third-year doctoral student John Chen balances long days in the lab with long miles on the road, recently finishing the Philadelphia Half Marathon in 1:44:56. From biomaterials research to marathon goals, his steady pace shows that endurance matters. mse.seas.upenn.edu/marathon-man...

mse.seas.upenn.edu

Marathon Man: John Chen Balances the Half Marathon and High-Impact Research

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

@pennmatsci.bsky.social is kicking off our spring semester seminar series with Dr. Moon Jeong Park, Pohang University, of Science and Technology, on Thursday, January 15th with her talk, " Polymer Chain-End Chemistry: Unlocking Next-Generation Functional Materials." Wu and Chen Auditorium 10:30 am

Dr. Moon Jeong Park, Pohang University of Science and Technology, South Korea

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Penn Engineering @pennengineering.bsky.social · 12/01/2026

Robert Carpick (@meam-penn.bsky.social) joins Science Friday host Ira Flatow to explain why ice is slippery. He describes how ice structure, surface water molecules & temperature interact to reduce friction. www.sciencefriday.com/segments/why-…

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

What happens when architects, engineers, and industry partners tackle concrete together? Penn teams are using 3D printing and alternative mixes to build lighter, porous structures that can reabsorb more CO₂—a practical path to lower-carbon buildings. WHYY interview shorturl.at/rbfRU

shorturl.at

Penn researchers are working to design climate-friendly concrete

Concrete reabsorbs some of its carbon emissions over time. Alternative ingredients and 3D printing could help supercharge that by making the finished concrete more porous.

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Reposted by Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering

The Warren Center for Network & Data Sciences @warrencenter.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Artificial intelligence may feel like a recent revolution, but for Warren Center faculty affiliate Chris Callison-Burch, it’s the culmination of a 25-year journey – one that shows how breakthroughs happen when technology, data, and vision align. online.seas.upenn.ed...

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

@pennengineering.bsky.social hosted “Responsive Materials Meet Intelligence,” a workshop led by @pennmatsci.bsky.social and co-sponsored by NSF, AESOP, and the Graduate Research Training grant (CLIMATE-CARE), the workshop drew attendees interested in the fast-growing adaptive, responsive materials.

David Meaney, Vice Provost for Research at the University of Pennsylvania

Attendee at the "Responsive Materials Meet Intelligence” workshop.

Professor; Chair of the Department of Design Tech; Arthur L. and Isabel B. Wiesenberger Professor in Architecture

Shu Yang, MSE Professor and Chair, University of Pennsylvania

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Penn Department of Materials Science and Engineering @pennmatsci.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

We're not saying we saved the best for last, as @pennmatsci.bsky.social have had some amazing speakers this fall, but we'd like to say the visit from Paul Nealey @uchicagopme.bsky.social was the best turnout of the semester. Special thanks to Karen I. Winey for hosting Paul.

Paul Nealey, Professor of Molecular Engineering in the UChicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Karen Winey, Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Pennsylvania.

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